'Numbers won the IRC division of the NYYC Annual Regatta' Dan Nerney &copy

The final countdown to the start of one of Europe's premiere regattas, ACCBank Cork Week, has begun. The arrival of three of the world's most competitive yachts into Cork Harbour signals the real beginning of the highlight of Ireland's Sailing Calendar.

'Rambler' a 90 footer, skippered by George David from the US, 'Moneypenny' and 'Numbers' both 52 feet long, also from the US and skippered by James Swartz and Dan Myers respectively will be seen in the harbour this week, gearing up for the event, in advance of their first race on Monday 14 July.

Entry levels for ACC Bank Cork Week, which is supported by F?ilte Ireland, have exceeded expectations. Race Committee Member and former RCYC Admiral, Kevin Lane, is delighted at the prospect of exciting competition on the water. 'We have bigger and better boats, quality boats in the handicap fleet and increased numbers in Class Zero and Super Zero. We have one exciting new course and we expect competition to be fierce' says Kevin.

Piet Vroon on 'Formidable III', from Holland is a former Fastnet Winner and he is returning to compete, yet again. He first raced in Cork Harbour thirty-five years ago in 1973. Newcomers to Cork this year are 'Escaped Aussies' led by their skippers, Daren (Daz) Shipard and James Kennedy. They promise to bring their unique brand of sailing, friendship and charity work to Cork. 'We're not just about sailing. Through our charity, Sailstrong, we have raised money for a variety of charities in the regions where we sail,' says Skipper Daz Shipard.

The On-Shore Entertainment at ACCBank Cork Week is a crucial ingredient and is one of the unique elements of this Celebration of Sailing which ensures that visitors return time after time. The line up includes Marquee names like Paddy Casey, The Walls and Aslan. Day Passes, which allow admission to the 'Tented Village' each evening are available on-line at www.ticketmaster.iewww.ticketmaster.ie>

ACCBank Cork Week will be Officially Launched by Damian Foxall, Winner of the Barcelona World Race, at 6pm on Sunday, July 13. This will be preceded by a Family Fun Day, which is free and open to the public.

For full details of ACCBank Cork Week, visit, accbankcorkweek.ie

by Jean Kearney

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